2006 Kia Rio5 Preview

As in the Spectra compact and Sportage SUV, Kia is taking passenger safety seriously. Aside from a more rigid structure, the

The Rio will replace the Spectra as the cheapest car on the market to feature curtain airbags as standard. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Rio will offer a whole host of features including standard three-point seatbelts for all five passengers, four- wheel disc brakes with optional ABS, and, like its sedan counterpart, a full count of airbags including front, side and full-length curtain airbags as standard. Effectively, this replaces the Spectra as the cheapest car on the market to feature curtain airbags as standard.

While the final specifications have yet to be confirmed, Kia will undoubtedly lead the pack of subcompacts with class-leading value, as it has been doing for quite some time now. While power amenities like windows, mirrors and keyless entry will probably be limited to the upscale models, the basic Rio5 will come with a decent array of standard features and one of the best comprehensive warranties in the business: 60 months / 100,000 km.

As of right now, Kia has not released any information as to when the Rio5 will

In order to be competitive, the Rio5 will probably begin at under $15,500. (Photo: Kia Canada)

arrive, or how much it will cost. However, in order to maintain its position as a value-leader, it will have to be competitive. My guess is that the liftback model will begin at under $15,500 - far less than the $16,695 MSRP of the base RX-V - in order to get the upper hand on competitors.

The new Rio5 may not be advanced and may not have badge prestige, but it will bring safe and reliable motoring to the masses, which should help it to be the most successful compact Korean car to date.

Specifications:

• Price (estimated base MSRP): $15,500
• Body Type: 5-door liftback
• Layout: front engine, FWD
• Engine: 110 hp, 107 lb-ft of torque, 1.6L, 16-valve, DOHC, I-4
• Transmission: 5-spd manual (optional 4-spd auto)
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc (optional ABS)
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Direct Competitors: Chevrolet Aveo, Hyundai Accent, Pontiac Wave, Suzuki Swift+, Toyota Echo Hatchback
• Website: www.kia.ca